Investigation of copper and oxidative stress levels in oral contraceptive users.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between oxidative stress parameters [total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), thiol/disulfide homeostasis, ischemia-modified albumin (IMA)] and serum copper levels in women who use oral contraceptives (OCs) compared to those who do not.

METHODS

This single-center, prospective case-control study included a total of 154 women aged 18 to 45 years (72 OC users and 82 non-users) who presented to the gynecology outpatient clinic of a tertiary care training and research hospital. After obtaining written informed consent, demographic data and information regarding OC use were collected. Venous blood samples were drawn and serum samples were stored at -80 °C until analysis. Serum levels of TOS, TAS, total thiol, native thiol, disulfide, IMA and copper were measured. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

In OC users, serum levels of copper, TOS, oxidative stress index (OSI), disulfide and IMA were significantly elevated, whereas TAS and native thiol levels were significantly reduced compared to non-users (p < 0.05). Serum copper levels showed a positive correlation with oxidative stress markers and a negative correlation with antioxidant capacity indicators.

CONCLUSIONS

OC use is associated with increased serum copper levels, which in turn have a significant impact on oxidative stress biomarkers. These findings suggest that OC use elevates systemic oxidative stress while compromising antioxidant defense mechanisms. Moreover, elevated copper levels may independently contribute to oxidative stress regardless of OC use.